Route 66 Buzz Podcast

Old Yeller is based upon the 1956 children’s novel written by Fred Gipson.

The stray dog was modeled after a Blue Lacy, the state dog of Texas. 

As you might know from the Old Yeller film synopsis, while Jim Coates (Fess Parker) has taken off from Salt Lick, Texas on a cattle drive, his wife, Katie (Dorothy McGuire), and sons, Travis (Tommy Kirk) and Arliss (Kevin Corcoran), are left behind on their Texas ranch. When a dingy yellow rascal runaway southern cur named Old Yeller, since its coat is more-or-less yellow and its bark sounds like a human yell, causes damage in one of their fields, Travis tries to drive him away. However, when Old Yeller saves Arliss from a bear attack, Travis and Katie both warm up to him. As Travis and the brave and faithful dog grow closer, concern grows about an outbreak of rabies.

For me, the story is about a boy coming-of-age through facing hard choices between himself and dogs.

Much later, when I was working as a substitute teacher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the students  were assigned a look-see at reading the book Old Yeller. Their job was writing an essay about their feelings. Writer Fred Gipson had reached out to students in school grades five or six to have a go at writing a journal. Gibson remarked he liked true adventure tales because they gave him a true history of the country. Students were supposed to focus on what it would have been like for a fourteen-year-old boy to take on family responsibilities while his father was away on a cattle drive.https://route66buzz.com

Historically, the state of Texas had seceded from the union and joined the confederate states in 1861. After the war, lawlessness broke out. The Ku Klux Klan sometimes roamed around after dark. Texans had begun driving cattle along trails to Kansas and Missouri in the 1860s. Congress readmitted Texas to the union in 1870. The author used colloquialisms like the words squawling and bellering. However, some students commented on what a veterinarian today might do, rather than the rough and ready treatment of a dog back then. Some students were quizzical, meaning their behavior displayed mildly amused puzzlement at the way that things used to be.

In the story, after rabid wolves bite Old Yeller, Travis realizes that he has to shoot to kill his beloved dog to protect his family. Some students figured that was real life back then.

Nowadays, this story tells about the value of family, loyalty and sacrifice. 

Old Yeller

Tourist attraction at 8833 East Admiral Place in Tulsa is a historic 1950s motor court establighed along the original Route 66 alignment that operated until 1989 and then transitioned into private lodgeing. Replica of the vintage Tulsa Auto Court sign and other historic Route 66 motel signs can be viewed locally at the Route 66 Neon Sign Park in the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza Area.

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Old Yeller

Floating Hanger by Eileen Gay is a mosaic sculpture by Reno artist standing 42 feet tall along Southwest Boulevard near Yukon Avenue just south of I-244. Inspired by Tulsa’s Art Deco heritage and the Mother Road, this artwork is designed to mimic classic neon signage.  https://route66buzz.com

Old Yeller

The EZ66 Guide for Travelers (6th Edition, 2026) by Jerry McClanahan is a 218‑page spiral‑bound Route 66 navigation guide offering bi‑directional directions, detailed maps, updated attractions, and tips for driving the historic highway.

Overview

The EZ66 Guide for Travelers is widely considered the most reliable, user‑friendly guidebook for navigating historic U.S. Route 66. It is published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation and updated regularly, with the 6th Edition released on April 6, 2026.

Key Features

• Bi-directional navigation: Clear instructions whether traveling eastbound (Chicago → Santa Monica) or westbound.
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• Comprehensive mapping: Includes area maps, detail maps, and guidance for historic alignments often missed by GPS.
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• Driver-friendly spiral binding: 5.5" × 8.5" format designed to stay open while driving.
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• Curated points of interest: Highlights motels, diners, roadside attractions, and Route 66 icons.
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• Extras: Scavenger hunts, car games, tips, and historical context.
  national66.org

Old Yeller

Old Yeller

Old Yeller

Rhythm is something you either have or don't have, but when you have it, you have it all over.

Old Yeller

Old Yeller

Old Yeller

(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 is a rhythm & blues song written in 1946 by Bobby Troupe.

The highway traversed cross-country from Chicago via Tulsa to L.A.

Old Yeller